Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has presented cheques totalling N146m as compensation to 46 indigenes of Oke Ako Ekiti whose land was acquired for commercial agriculture.
Speaking at the cheque presentation event in Oke Ako, Ikole Local Government Area, on Saturday, Oyebanji expressed satisfaction with the commencement of the agribusiness project, despite initial delays caused by land acquisition challenges.
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He commended the Oke Ako community, led by the Regent, Princess Tinuade Ogunbiyi, for their cooperation with his administration. The governor assured that the commercial agriculture initiative would lead to road rehabilitation, improved health facilities, and the establishment of cottage industries to boost the local economy.
Oyebanji also noted a significant reduction in kidnapping and other criminal activities in the area, as forests that once served as hideouts had been cleared and cultivated under the agribusiness scheme involving local youths.
The governor stated, “What we are doing here today is another promise fulfilled, ensuring that compensation is paid to citizens whose land was acquired for commercial agricultural purposes.
“We are compensating them for the economic trees lost during the acquisition process so they can acquire new land to continue farming and sustain their livelihoods.
“Before clearing the remaining economic trees, we will compensate the owners. Large-scale commercial farming will bring many benefits, including factories, schools, hospitals, and even tractor assembly and engineering hubs.”
Oyebanji highlighted that Oke Ako is integral to the Ekiti State Special Agriculture Processing programme.
He emphasised its potential as an economic asset, including the development of hubs for tractor training, assembly, and repairs, with expatriates on-site to train youths.
“The project aims to boost agribusiness, engage youths in commercial agriculture, and open up the community for wealth creation,” he added.
Saturday’s event also featured a dry season harvest by participants in the “Bring Back Youths in Agriculture” programme. The governor inaugurated tractors and processing equipment for use by the young farmers.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, praised the governor’s commitment to agriculture and food security, describing the compensation payment as proof of his dedication to the sector’s growth.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Lands, Survey, and e-GIS, Prof James Olaleye, noted that the sacrifices of the landowners would help transform Ekiti into a leading agricultural centre in Nigeria.
The Regent of Oke Ako, Princess Ogunbiyi, applauded Oyebanji for attracting investors to the community and pledged the unwavering support of her people for the success of the agribusiness initiative.
